How to lift tailgate/ramp?

[bjcsc]

Originally Posted by drtydeed

The gorilla's are nice, but I'm constantly loading over the sides and didn't want to chance ripping off any horizontally mounted gate assists.

I can certainly see that as an issue in your specific application, but they're designed for trailers that are loaded via the end gate, moving 4 wheelers, golf carts, lawn equipment and the like...

[texbaylea]

Thanks to everybody for their comments. Now I just have to decide which of the possible devices to buy/use. I am tempted by the Elegator because of the mechanical simplicity. I will call them with my measurements to see what they suggest.

Thanks again
Vernon

[john_bud]

Originally Posted by grnspot110

I made my own lift with garage door springs inside exhaust pipe. Garage door rollers at the back. Bear in mind, my trailer has a very heavy rampgate to handle an 8,000# tractor. Also has factory coil torsion spings on the pivot pins. Besides using the metal tubing there is a saftey cable inside the spring.

I like that! Nicely done and it must work pretty good too!

jb

[FritzII]

I just bought a hand winch from Harbor Freight Tools for this purpose. I believe it was $29.00. It has a hook on the winch and a strap to reach the gate. I think it's really made for ATV's to temporarily hook on the front and rear racks. It's rated at 900 lbs.

[shirlysmile]

Originally Posted by texbaylea

I just acquired a 6' x 10' single axle trailer for carrying my EZ-GO WorkHorse and hauling about the place. Save me using the longer trailer. Because of my bad knees and back I am looking for ideas on how to gain assistance in lowering and raising the tailgate/ramp.

Has anybody used a boat trailer winch or something similar to do this?

Ideas, comments and pictures, please.

I do have a small AC/DC stick welder although I have not used it in a while.

Vernon

how about this truck gate lift www.cnklzj.com ?

[joecdeere]

Lots of trailers around here have these now, Very nice and not too bad of a price.

Gorilla-Lift, Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist

[Diamondpilot]

I build my own. I use 2" ID Grey Plastic Conduit, a few U-bolts, a set of garage door springs, and 6 3/8" Eye bolts. One eye bolt on the ramp, and one on each end of the conduit that houses the spring. One is to guide the cable and the other to secure the end of the spring. The conduit provides containment for the spring to prevent pinching and the dangers if something breaks. I use the U-bolts to then secure the conduit.

You can make the for under $50.

Chris

[Renze]

gas struts, coil springs (either push or pull type) or a hydraulic cylinder with electric or hand pump.
Counterbalancing isnt a good idea because it adds weight to your single axle trailer.

Oh, and what about aluminium ramps ? pricey though.

[radioman]

Originally Posted by Diamondpilot

I build my own. I use 2" ID Grey Plastic Conduit, a few U-bolts, and a set of garage door springs, and 6 3/8" Eye bolts. One eye bolt on the ramp, and one on each end of the conduit that houses the spring. One is to guide the cable and the other to secure the end of the spring. The conduit provides containment for the spring to prevent pinching and the dangers if something breaks. I use the U-bolts to then secure the conduit.

You can make the for under $50.

Chris

I like your idea. I wish I thought of that 2 years ago. Oh well- better late then never. Question, what spring rating did you use or recommend ? At my local lowes store they have 140lb all the way down to 110lb springs ? I assume that 140 would be better for more lifting power ? Any chances you could post a few pictures of yours in up and down position?

[Diamondpilot]

Originally Posted by radioman

I like your idea. I wish I thought of that 2 years ago. Oh well- better late then never. Question, what spring rating did you use or recommend ? At my local lowes store they have 140lb all the way down to 110lb springs ? I assume that 140 would be better for more lifting power ? Any chances you could post a few pictures of yours in up and down position?

None are on mine. They are on trailers I sold. One had heavy ramps and the other I built a mesh gate for a guy who bought a trailer off me. Sorry, no pictures. I think the springs are color coded and I either used green or brown springs. I think they were around 120# or 130#. You just mess with the cable length to get the right lift. It takes 4 or so tries to get it right.

Chirs